Written by Sara Bram, Nadler Modular StructuresNote: Due to the fact that the military projects discussed in this article are classified, we are unable to provide pictures of the actual installations.America's war on terrorism has drastically changed the face of the U.S. Military's defense training process. This shift in operations has caused the military to seek out accelerated construction solutions for rapidly ramping up defense procedures. They have started installing modular units that provide additional instructional space, specialized facilities, and permanent barracks to help meet this need. Nadler Modular Structures is one MBI member that has been helping supply installations to satisfy the urgent demand.
A case in point is the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) Air Station Elizabeth City, NC. USCG chose modular units, as opposed to stick construction, to quickly facilitate extra office space for an air craft repair center. The center aids as technical support for military aircraft like the HC-130 Hercules (a long range surveillance aircraft) and the HH-60 Jayhawk (a medium range recovery helicopter). The air station is just one of a number of sites that the USCG uses for homeland security defense.
Another instance is Fort Dix military base in Fort Dix, NJ. Fort Dix's primary mission includes specialized training centers and is a strategic point of mobilization and deployment for Army Reserve and National Guard units. The Army is using modular units to accommodate relief barracks for increased field training exercises through what has been named the Forward Operating Base (FOB).
The FOB is an individual military training city that resides within the fort itself. Nicknamed "Tiger" by its "residents," the FOB is largely made up of staged military camps (tents), modular units, and open field space. The entire city is designed to simulate military life in Iraq. The soldiers live in tents with modular units provided for shower and sink facilities. There is also a computer lab set up in a modular unit, so that soldiers can e-mail their families while on active-duty. Finally, there is a modular "mayor's office" from which the commanding officer manages the FOB.
The USCG's air force station and Fort Dix are just two of many examples where the military has chosen to utilize accelerated construction, rather than stick built construction. According to Steve Whitmore, Chief of the Public Works Division at Ft. Dix, "We needed something setup quick . . . we needed [modular units] now." He went on to talk about the fact that the modular units are providing a cost-effective way for the government to train and mobilize troops for quick deployment. Modular units are function-based buildings that are easily and affordably designed. At the same time, they allow the level of customization necessary to tailor-meet the needs of these training camps. The military's entire focus is to accommodate the service men and women on their missions. And, commercial modular construction is helping the military do just that.
Nadler Modular Structures has been serving the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions with quality modular buildings since 1978. An MBI member since 2004, Nadler has twice received MBI Awards of Distinction.
To learn more about commercial modular construction and its applications, visit Modular Building Institute: The Voice Of Commercial Modular ConstructionTM.
Above are the HC-130 Hercules (a long range surveillance aircraft) and the HH-60 Jayhawk (a medium range recovery helicopter). Both are housed at USCG Air Station Elizabeth City, NC. USCG chose modular units to facilitate office space for its new air craft repair center.